Are you looking for information on being a dog owner? There are many dog owners who feel that they have nowhere to turn for helpful pet care advice. As a result, many dog owners have decided to do something about it. Follow the tips presented here to learn how to provide your dog with the kind of responsible care needed for a long and happy canine life.
It takes quite a bit of money to take good care of a dog. Food, supplies and vet bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. Pet health insurance can help; although you will pay a monthly or yearly fee, you will often be covered if a big medical emergency occurs for your pet.
Your dog cannot communicate through speech; therefore, you must learn its non-verbal language. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don't force interaction. This might result in another dog or a person being bit. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
Be sure to praise your dog freely and consistently whenever he exhibits a desired behavior. You need to reward good behavior. It teaches your pup that he will be rewarded for good behavior.
Allow your lifestyle to dictate the type of dog you adopt or purchase. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. Likewise if you spend quite a lot of time at home you may want to get a dog that likes to be pampered a lot. When you find the perfect match, you'll both be happier!
Don't purchase cheap dog food. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren't the best for your dog. You should contact an animal advocacy group or a consumer awareness program to get some recommendations for quality dog foods. Your dog is going to be healthier if he eats better.
Some dog breeds are more prone to problems than others and you should know if your dog could have problems. Research the kind of dog you have and see if there are any preventative measures you can take. Also, see what advice the vet has in terms of helping your dog overcome breed liabilities.
Dedicate enough time to correcting bad behavior right away. If you ignore any issue with your pet then later on it's going to be harder to train it to obey because it doesn't know any better. This could lead to huge problems down the road.
When you get a new dog, it is best that you schedule a check-up at the vet right away. In fact, do it the same day as you bring the pet home so you don't forget. In addition to giving your dog a check up, the vet will schedule vaccinations. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don't want to make the problem worse.
If you're adopting your pet from a shelter, it's important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already. Make sure the new puppy gets their required shots before going home.
Taking care of your dog is a serious job. Do the best you can to keep your dog happy and in good shape. It is a lot of work, but you have what it takes. This article should have helped you with caring for your dog, so use it well.
